Brisbane player Koby Evans has been handed a four-game suspension for using a homophobic slur during the club's Round 6 VFL match against Coburg last Saturday.
The ban was lowered from five matches to four as Evans immediately admitted to using homophobic language and apologised. This is consistent with previous similar cases.
Evans, 18, won't be able to feature at AFL level from Rounds 9-12 and in any VFL matches that occur during that period.
“My language was totally unacceptable, I'm disappointed in myself, and apologise to the LGBTQI+ community and our club,” Evans said in a statement.
“I knew as soon as it came out of my mouth, that I'd made a bad mistake and this language is unacceptable on or off the field.”
Brisbane CEO Sam Graham said the club was clearly disappointed by Evans' language.
“Our club is committed to being an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to belong, including players, staff, members and fans," Graham said.
“Koby has addressed his teammates and through this situation has been upfront with the club and AFL about this matter.
“We recognise that Koby is at the beginning of his career and we will work with him to provide the necessary support and education, to ensure he understands the impact words can have on people."
AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said homophobia and homophobic language was unacceptable at any level of football and in any part of society.
“Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field and in society," Harley said. "Koby self-reported this incident and has taken ownership of his mistake both privately and publicly.
“It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with another incident of this nature. While we will always examine the individual circumstances, we cannot be more clear that respect and inclusion are not optional in our game - they are fundamental.”
Evans will also undertake LGBTQI+ inclusion education.
Originally from WAFL club Perth, Evans was taken with pick 38 in the 2025 National Draft.
Brisbane will host Carlton for Round 9 on Friday night at the Gabba.
